Although all students majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields are eligible for this program, we are particularly interested in applications from students of those population groups currently underrepresented in STEM fields (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders). Students are undergraduates or who have graduated within the past six months are encouraged to apply.

Many students are unaware of opportunities for careers in STEM fields. A principal goal of the Northeast Alliance Summer Program for Undergraduate Research is to introduce undergraduate students to STEM research and prepare them for graduate school and academic careers in STEM disciplines. The program provides hands-on positive research experiences and mentoring in a supportive setting.

Participants will be assigned both a faculty mentor and a near-peer mentor in a laboratory of interest to that student and will spend approximately five days a week working with their mentors to complete a research project in the 8-week session. Other activities include field trips and group activities in which participants will hear from faculty and graduate student role models about STEM research and career paths. Participants will meet frequently with their peers and mentors to discuss the progress of their projects. They will also learn about preparing for, and applying to, graduate school. At the end, of the program students will prepare and present a poster describing their project at a formal, public poster session.

The program provides basic University health care coverage for the period of the participants' stay at UMass Amherst. However, participants must also have a current medical insurance plan in place to cover major health needs during the period of the SPUR program. Participants must submit evidence of such insurance before starting the program.

Up to $500 is reimbursable for the cost of round-trip travel.

Participants will receive a total stipend of $2,800. Room and board will be paid by the program.

Apply online: click here to start your application today!

Or you can download a paper application. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this PDF file. Deadline for applications is March 5th.